On October 28, the Ontario government will begin accepting applications from small-community governments to fund the construction of green infrastructure projects.

The province made the announcement on October 25, adding that it intends to fund those projects that help small communities—those with populations under 100,000 people—rehabilitate critical water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. 

Up to $200 million in funding will be provided through the Green Infrastructure stream, which is the fourth stream open under the joint federal/provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

"The people of Ontario have water-related infrastructure needs, and we are helping them to fill the gaps, especially for projects that address critical health and safety concerns in our communities," said Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure. "These investments make our local infrastructure safer and more reliable and give them the ability to grow economically."

The initial intake of the Green Infrastructure stream targets projects in communities where it is needed most. Municipalities, First Nations, along with Local Service Boards, Conservation Authorities and other not-for-profit entities who own eligible infrastructure assets may apply for project funding up to a maximum of $3 million in total per project for eligible costs. Applicants will have until January 22, 2020 to submit applications for provincial review and nomination to the federal government through the Transfer Payment Ontario website.

"Our economy, our communities and our families all rely on good infrastructure," said Minister Scott. "The province understands there is demand for our investments in these critical projects, including tackling immediate, critical local water, wastewater and stormwater needs."

The government anticipates applications to the Green Infrastructure stream will be very competitive. It therefore anticipates launching an additional intake of the Green Infrastructure stream in 2020 that could focus on other emerging priorities for water, wastewater and stormwater projects and/or disaster mitigation.

The Green Infrastructure stream, as per federal parameters, aims to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, enable greater adaptation and resilience to the impacts of extreme weather and disaster mitigation. It also helps ensure communities can provide clean air and safe drinking water for everyone.

The Investing in ICIP is a $30-billion, 10-year infrastructure program cost-shared between federal, provincial and municipal governments. Ontario’s share per project will be up to 33.33 per cent, or $10.2 billion spread across four streams: Rural and Northern, Public Transit, Green, and Community, Culture and Recreation (CCR).

On September 3, Ontario opened the application intake for the CCR stream. The provincial and federal funding for the stream, which closes November 12, will go towards investing in local community centres, cultural facilities and recreational infrastructure.

To date, Ontario has nominated 351 projects to the federal government under three ICIP streams.